GAS LOCK SYSTEM FOR CHARGING PARTICLES INTO A PRESSURIZED REACTOR

摘要

An apparatus is disclosed for feeding a continuous supply of carbonaceous material into a pressurized reactor for producing a product gas from the material and which contains toxic and flammable gases. The apparatus comprises a first rotary gas lock for receiving the material from ambient atmospheric condition. The first lock is supplied with a flow of nitrogen as a sealing gas to prevent air from entering the lock and the apparatus. The first lock transfers the material to a second rotary gas lock which in turn transfers the material to a screw conveyor for delivery to the interior of the reactor. The second lock is supplied with a flow of a clean product gas as a buffer gas. The clean product gas supplied to the second lock is at a pressure greater than the pressure in the reactor and prevents flow of gases from the reactor to the apparatus. An exhaust is maintained between the first and second locks which draws off nitrogen and clean product gas with the nitrogen and product gas constituting a noncombustible mixture of gases in the exhaust. Means are provided for preventing entrainment of particulate material between the first and second gas locks.